"A salon is a gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host, held partly to amuse one another and partly to refine taste and increase the knowledge of the participants through conversation. The salon was an Italian invention of the 16th century which flourished in France throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. In 16th-century Italy, some scintillating circles formed in the smaller courts which resembled salons, often galvanized by the presence of a beautiful and educated patroness such as Isabella d'Este or Elisabetta Gonzaga. The word 'salon' first appeared in France in 1664 (from the Italian word salone, itself from sala, the large reception hall of Italian mansions). The salon evolved into a well-regulated practice that focused on and reflected enlightened public opinion by encouraging the exchange of news and ideas. By the mid-eighteenth century the salon had become an institution in French society and functioned as a major channel of communication among intellectuals." —wikipedia  

The date for the first salon has not been set.  It will probably be the end of October.  So, you have time to make a costume, frame your work, learn a new piece of music, perfect a reading, come up with a new recipe (one caveat: no animals will be harmed in the creation of the salon) or simply perfect your argument on whatever topic you wish to discuss.  Basically you can do pretty much whatever your little heart desires...  there is a kitchen, a Yamaha Disklavier grand piano, a digital video projector (6' x 10' screen) and sound system and  a large outdoor space. More information to come...